Atelier Paul Bisch: French violin, Guarnerius model, 1934

French luthier Paul Bisch unmistakably marked this distinctive violin after Guarnerius as an atelier piece by cutting the label and including a handwritten note on it. Its very attractive varnish features charming contrasts between the light-yellow background and the dark-orange-brown oil varnish, an interplay of colours which is typical for many Paul Bisch instruments. Like many luthiers of his day, Paul Bisch began his career in Mirecourt, where he learned the fundamentals of the craft. It was not until the next phase of his work that he learned the deeper secrets of the luthier's art from Léon Victor Mougenot, a master whose atelier brought forth so many influential masters of 20th century French violin making. From 1919 onward, Paul Bisch perfected his abilities at Caressa & Français in Paris as a restorer of the finest stringed instruments hailing from a wide variety of traditions. The wealth of experience he gathered along the way can be seen at a glance in the striking patterns of the moderately-grained spruce of the top. This tone wood was an excellent choice, as was the interestingly flamed maple used for the two-piece back. The small, elegantly carved scroll rounds out the aesthetic of this powerful Guarnerius model, which has a radiantly brilliant, clear sound full of timbre. Its voice is a tribute to its maker. We particularly recommend this instrument, which has been preserved with some varnish marks only in prime condition and made ready to play by the luthiers at our specialist atelier. Note: the original Paul Bisch